[04-07-2024] Merced County, CA – 36-Year-Old Rider Killed After Motorcycle vs. Truck Collision Along Interstate 5

A 36-year-old rider was killed after a motorcycle vs. truck collision in Merced County late Sunday evening, April 7, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident occurred around 11:53 p.m. along Interstate 5, north of Canyon Road.

A 56-year-old driver named Ramiro O. was heading north in a 2015 Volvo semi-truck pulling a box trailer when its two tires detached from the trailer.

A 36-year-old motorcyclist was also traveling north, passing the truck, when the tires collided with the rider. The impact ejected the victim from the motorcycle and onto the road.

The unidentified rider was declared dead at the scene. It is unknown if the truck driver stayed on site or not.

Alcohol and drugs were dismissed as factors in the fatal collision. The authorities have not released further information.

Renowned Merced County Truck Accident Attorneys Specializing in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Truck collisions can happen if the company fails to implement routine maintenance. We can assist you in obtaining full compensation from these negligent trucking companies.

Seek advice from our truck accident lawyers through a free initial consultation. Our legal team, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has provided assistance to truck and motorcycle accident victims for decades with great success, and we are confident of your success as well.

You can rely on our renowned truck accident attorneys in Merced County to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings, if necessary. Arash Law has recovered over $750 Million for clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and credibility as one of California’s most recognized personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Merced County Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it is essential to remain on the scene and wait for the authorities and medical personnel to arrive. Before their arrival, it is important to: 

1. Ensure Safety. First, attend to the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. Look around for any injured people and call an ambulance if necessary.
2. Report the Incident to the Police. Once everyone’s safety is confirmed, alert your local law enforcement authorities. This step is essential, regardless of the severity of the accident. A police report serves as an unbiased third-party account of the incident, which can be useful when dealing with trucking companies, insurance agencies, and even the courts.
3. Document The Scene. Try to collect as much information as possible from the scene of the accident, including the other vehicle’s license plate number, the driver’s information, and any witnesses’ contacts. Use your phone to take photos and videos to document the road conditions, vehicle positions, and any visible damage. Maintain a comprehensive file that comprises police reports, medical records, photographic evidence, witness statements, and any communication with insurance companies.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company. Contact your insurer as soon as you can and inform them of the accident. They should hear about it directly from you before they receive the claim report from the other party’s insurance company.
5. Seek Medical Attention. Get medical help even if you think you’re unharmed. Often, injuries from traffic accidents manifest slowly. A full medical check-up will make sure you’re really okay and provide a medical record linking any injuries to the accident.
6. Get In Touch With A Truck Accident Lawyer. One of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers can determine whether your case has merit, secure accident reports and other important documents for you, assist in negotiating with insurance companies, and help you file a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Truck Accident Statistics

A total of 4,714 fatalities were attributed to large truck accidents in 2021, which represents an increase of 17% from the previous year. Truck occupants accounted for 16% of these deaths, cars and other passenger vehicles accounted for 68%, and pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists made up 15%.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 50% higher in 2021 than in 2009. The number of truck occupants who died was 68% higher than in 2009.

As with any accident, truck collisions can have many causes, such as loss of control, tire blowouts, speeding, drifting out of lanes, sloppy maneuvering, or a driver who is tired or exhausted.